“I Built My Mum a House While Working in Qatar, Now I Can't Step Inside" Woman Painfully Narrates

A sombre mood has engulfed Bomwage village in Kiabiraa, North Mugirango Constituency in Nyamira county after a bodaboda rider’s house was completely destroyed by fire, leaving his family counting heavy losses.

The incident occurred at midnight on April 19, 2026, when flames engulfed the house and reduced everything inside to ashes.

The owner of the house, Hillary Ondari, is a well-known odaboda rider in the area and an aspiring Member of County Assembly (MCA).

The fire is reported to have started late at night while the family was asleep, catching them off guard.

By the time neighbours noticed the flames and rushed to help, the fire had already spread quickly, making it difficult to control.

According to Ondari’s sister, she noticed smoke coming from one side of the house before flames quickly spread.

She immediately raised the alarm, waking up her husband and children as they rushed outside to safety.

However, due to the intensity of the fire, they were unable to salvage anything from inside the house.

Neighbours responded quickly after hearing screams and tried to put out the fire using water and soil, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

The house, which was mainly built using timber and iron sheets, burned rapidly, leaving nothing behind.

Within a short time, all household items, clothes, documents, and electronics were completely destroyed.

The family suffered an even bigger loss after Sh130,000 in cash that had been kept inside the house was also burned in the fire.

According to the family, the money belonged to a chama group and had been entrusted to Ondari for safekeeping.

The cash was reportedly meant for group savings and upcoming projects, making the loss even more devastating.

Residents who gathered at the scene expressed shock and sadness over the incident.

Many described Ondari as hardworking and supportive in the community, saying the fire was a big setback for him and his family.

Some neighbours also noted that the fire spread quickly due to the lack of firefighting equipment and the distance to the nearest fire station.

Speaking after the incident, Ondari expressed deep sorrow over the loss, saying he had lost everything he had worked for over the years.

He also appealed to well-wishers, leaders, and members of the community to support him and his family during this difficult time.